Handheld abrading machine

ABSTRACT

In order to provide a handheld abrading machine comprising a holding device for holding the abrading machine, a drive motor, a motor housing for the drive motor and a tool head, wherein the holding device comprises a substantially tubular bar which has a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the motor housing and the drive motor arranged therein are arranged at the proximal end and wherein the tool head is arranged at the distal end, with which the abrading process is easy and as fatigue-free as possible, it is proposed that the motor housing comprise an attachment section for fixing an extension element in releasable manner.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation application of international application No. PCT/EP2014/064003 filed on Jul. 1, 2014, and claims the benefit of German application No. 10 2013 213 271.9 filed on Jul. 5, 2013, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety and for all purposes.

FIELD OF DISCLOSURE

The present invention relates to a handheld abrading machine and in particular, to a so-called long-neck abrader.

BACKGROUND

A handheld abrading machine is known from DE 10 2005 021 153 A1 for example.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention is to provide a handheld abrading machine which allows a simple and as fatigue-free an abrading action as possible.

This object is achieved by a handheld abrading machine which comprises a holding device for holding the abrading machine, a drive motor, a motor housing for the drive motor and a tool head, wherein the holding device comprises a substantially tubular bar which has a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the motor housing and the drive motor arranged therein are arranged at the proximal end and wherein the tool head is arranged at the distal end.

In addition, in one embodiment of the invention, provision is made for the motor housing to comprise an attachment section for fixing an extension element in releasable manner.

It can be expedient if the abrading machine comprises an extension element. However, provision could also be made for the extension element to be an element separate from the abrading machine. Preferably, a combination of an abrading machine and an extension element is then provided.

An extension element is, in particular, an extension of the holding device for holding the abrading machine so that a user of the abrading machine can preferably reach a work area that is further away from him with the tool head of the abrading machine.

In a further embodiment of the invention, provision may be made for the abrading machine to comprise an attachment section for positively fixing an extension element in releasable manner.

Preferably, the abrading machine and/or the extension element comprises a latching device for fixing the extension element and in particular for fixing it in releasable manner.

As an alternative or in addition thereto, provision may be made for the abrading machine and/or the extension element to comprise a clamping device for fixing the extension element and in particular for fixing it in a force-locking manner.

It can be expedient if the extension element is pushable onto the attachment section of the abrading machine and/or is insertable into the attachment section of the abrading machine. Preferably, the extension element is lockable to the attachment section of the abrading machine by the pushing and/or inserting process.

It can be expedient if the latching device comprises at least one unlatching element by means of which the locking of the extension element is releasable for the purposes of removing the extension element.

Preferably, the latching device comprises several, two for example, unlatching elements.

For example, provision may be made for at least one unlatching element, in particular several, for example two, unlatching elements, to be in the form of a pushbutton.

In particular, provision may be made for one pushbutton to be in the form of a spring-loaded pushbutton.

The latching device preferably comprises two unlatching elements in the form of pushbuttons which are arranged on the extension element and/or the motor housing on mutually opposite sides of an attachment section of the extension element and/or on mutually opposite sides of the attachment section of the abrading machine, and in particular of the motor housing.

In a further embodiment of the invention, provision may be made for the abrading machine to comprise an attachment section for fixing an extension element in releasable manner, wherein the attachment section comprises an end of a suction channel that is remote from the tool head, said channel extending from the tool head to the attachment section.

It can be expedient if the extension element comprises an extension channel which joins the end of the suction channel of the abrading machine that is remote from the tool head in the assembled state of the extension element on the attachment section of the abrading machine.

The attachment section of the abrading machine preferably comprises the proximal end of the tubular bar of the abrading machine, in particular the holding device of the abrading machine.

The extension channel preferably adjoins the proximal end of the tubular bar.

It can be expedient if the extension element comprises a rigid tubular bar.

The tubular bar of the extension element preferably has, to at least an approximate extent, the same cross section and/or diameter as the tubular bar of the holding device of the abrading machine.

In one embodiment of the invention, provision may be made for the abrading machine to comprise an extension element which comprises an attachment section, and for the attachment section of the abrading machine to be in the form of a recess or gap in the motor housing, wherein the recess or gap in the motor housing and the attachment section of the extension element are formed in such a manner that the recess or gap in the motor housing is filled up by means of the attachment section of the extension element in the assembled state of the extension element on the motor housing.

In particular, an outer contour of the motor housing defined by walls of the motor housing is completable by means of the attachment section of the extension element.

Provision may be made for an outer surface of the attachment section of the extension element to be substantially flush with an outer surface of walls of the motor housing in the assembled state of the extension element on the motor housing. In this way, dirt-susceptible edges or protuberances in the transition area between the attachment section of the extension element and the attachment section of the motor housing can preferably be reduced or completely avoided.

The extension element is preferably connectible to the tubular bar of the abrading machine in releasable manner by means of an adapter element.

In particular, provision may be made for the extension element to be connectible to the tubular bar of the abrading machine in releasable manner in such a way that an interior space of the extension element joins an interior space of the tubular bar and is connected thereto in fluid-conveying manner.

In this way, an extension channel for extending a suction channel of the abrading machine can be formed by means of the extension element.

The abrading machine preferably comprises a connector device for the attachment of a suction device such as a vacuum cleaner for example.

The extension element preferably adjoins the connector device of the abrading machine particularly in the region of the attachment section of the extension element in the assembled state of the extension element on the abrading machine.

Preferably, an end of the extension element remote from the attachment section of the extension element likewise comprises a connector device to which a suction device and in particular a vacuum cleaner is connectible.

Thus, a suction channel which extends from the tool head to the connector device of the extension element can be provided by means of the extension element.

In one embodiment of the invention, provision may be made for the abrading machine to comprise at least one spring element by means of which the extension element is lockable to the abrading machine in a position substantially free from play in the assembled state.

In particular, the at least one spring element is a spring element of an unlatching element and/or a locking element for unlatching and/or locking a connection between the extension element and the abrading machine.

The at least one spring element preferably acts on at least one inclined surface of a clamping device for the purposes of positioning the extension element on the abrading machine so as to be substantially free from play.

Provision may be made for an attachment section of the extension element and/or the attachment section of the abrading machine to comprise an injection moulded component of synthetic material or to be in the form of an injection moulded component of synthetic material.

In particular, provision may be made for the motor housing and the attachment section of the motor housing to be formed together in one piece manner, and in particular for the attachment section to be a component of the motor housing.

It can be expedient if the entire motor housing is in the form of a one-piece or multi-piece injection moulded component of synthetic material.

The abrading machine preferably comprises a suction device which comprises a suction channel that extends from the tool head to the attachment section of the abrading machine and is preferably extendable by means of the extension element.

The abrading machine preferably comprises a transmission shaft which connects the drive motor to a tool holder of the tool head for torque-transmission purposes. The transmission shaft preferably runs at least in sections thereof within the tubular bar of the holding device.

The transmission shaft is preferably flexible at least in sections thereof.

It can be advantageous if the tool head is connected to the holding device such as to be pivotal about one or more axes.

In particular, provision may be made for an end of the transmission shaft facing the tool holder together with the tool head to be pivotal about one or more axes.

A suction channel of the suction device of the handheld abrading machine and the transmission shaft preferably run together, at least in sections, in the tubular bar of the holding device of the abrading machine.

To this end for example, the tubular bar can be divided in a longitudinal direction so that a partial interior space of the tubular bar serves to guide and accommodate the transmission shaft, while a further partial interior space of the tubular bar forms a suction channel section of the suction channel.

The tool head of the abrading machine preferably comprises a tool holder for accommodating a tool, in particular an abrader.

A tool accommodated in the tool holder can be driven in preferably rotary, oscillatory and/or eccentric manner.

The tool is preferably fixable to the tool holder in releasable manner by means of a releasable connection and in particular by means of a hook and loop fastener.

The drive motor is preferably arranged on a side of a central axis of the tubular bar of the holding device opposite the tool head.

The abrading machine preferably comprises an engagement region formed by the tubular bar as well as a handle element that is preferably arranged on the motor housing. A user of the abrading machine can get hold of the engagement region of the tubular bar and the handle element in a particularly convenient manner and thereby work with the abrading machine for a long period of time in fatigue-free manner.

Preferably, a further engagement region and in particular an engagement region formed by the tubular bar of the extension element can be formed by means of the extension element.

In order to reach work surfaces that are located more distantly from a user, the user preferably grips the handle element and the engagement region of the extension element. In this case too, the user can preferably work with the abrading machine for a long period of time in fatigue-free manner.

It can be advantageous if an earthing wire of the abrading machine, a tubular bar of the extension element and/or a hose that is arranged or arrangeable on the extension element, and in particular a suction hose of a suction device, are connected to one another electrically.

In particular, provision may be made for suction nozzles which are arranged on the tubular bar of the abrading machine and to which the extension element is preferably fixable to be formed from an electrically conductive material and in particular from an electrically conductive synthetic material and/or be connected to an earthing wire of the abrading machine. The suction nozzle is thus preferably earthed.

The extension element and in particular an attachment section of the extension element is preferably formed from an electrically conductive material and in particular from an electrically conductive synthetic material.

A tubular bar of the extension element is preferably formed from an electrically conductive material and is directly connected to the attachment section of the extension element.

The tubular bar of the extension element can preferably be earthed by means of the attachment section of the extension element via the earthing wire of the abrading machine.

In particular, the tubular bar can be in the form of an aluminium tube.

A connector device of the extension element to which in particular a suction hose of a suction device is connectible, is preferably formed from an electrically conductive material and in particular from an electrically conductive synthetic material.

Preferably, the hose and in particular the suction hose of the suction device that is arrangeable on the connector device is connected in electrically conductive manner with the earthing wire of the abrading machine by means of the extension element and is thereby earthed.

In particular, an unwanted static charge of the extension element and/or the hose occurring when the abrading machine is in operation can thus be preferably prevented.

Further preferred features and/or advantages of the invention form the subject matter of the following description and the graphical illustration of an exemplary embodiment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective illustration of a handheld abrading machine and of an extension element that is arranged thereon, with a view to a top side of the abrading machine;

FIG. 2 a schematic side view of the abrading machine including the extension element depicted in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 a schematic vertical longitudinal section through the abrading machine and the extension element depicted in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 an enlarged illustration of the region IV in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 a schematic vertical cross section through a motor housing of the abrading machine and an attachment section of the extension element along the line 5-5 in FIG. 2 as seen in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 6 a schematic perspective illustration of the abrading machine including the extension element as seen from below a lower surface of the abrading machine;

FIG. 7 a schematic perspective illustration of the abrading machine corresponding to FIG. 6 without an extension element arranged thereon;

FIG. 8 an enlarged illustration of the region VIII in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 a schematic perspective illustration of the extension element depicted in FIG. 1 in the dismantled state thereof; and

FIG. 10 an enlarged illustration of the region X in FIG. 9.

Similar or functionally equivalent elements are provided with the same reference numbers in all the Figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An embodiment of a handheld abrading machine which is illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 10 and as a whole designated 100 is, for example, a long-neck abrader by means of which large surfaces and in particular wall areas, ceiling areas and floor areas are treatable in an easy and comfortable manner.

The abrading machine 100 comprises a tool head 102 which comprises a tool holder 104.

A tool 106 such as an abrasive means for example can be arranged on the tool holder 104.

The tool head 102 is mounted on a holding device 110 of the abrading machine 100 in pivotal manner by means of a swivel device 108.

In connection therewith, the swivel device 108 comprises a fork element 112 and a swivel element 116 which is arranged on the fork element 112 such as to be pivotal about a pivotal axis 114.

The swivel element 116 is in the form of swivel ring 118 for example (see FIG. 2).

The fork element 112 is connected to a housing 120 of the tool head 102 in pivotal manner by means of the swivel ring 118.

The fork element 112, the swivel element 116 and the housing 120 of the tool head 102 are thereby connected to one another in such a manner that the tool head 102 is pivotal relative to the fork element 112 about two pivotal axes 114 which are substantially perpendicular to one another.

The holding device 110 of the abrading machine 100 comprises a tubular bar 122 which has a proximal end 124 that faces the user in the operational state, and a distal end 126 that is remote from the user in the operational state.

The fork element 112 and thus the tool head 102 are arranged at the distal end 126 of the tubular bar 122 of the holding device 110.

A motor housing 128 of the abrading machine 100 is arranged at the proximal end 124 of the tubular bar 122 of the holding device 110 opposite the distal end 126.

The motor housing 128 of the abrading machine 100 serves for accommodating a drive motor 130 of the abrading machine 100.

The motor housing 128 comprises a handle element 132 by means of which a user can grip the abrading machine 100 in a particularly comfortable manner.

The drive motor 130 is coupled to the tool holder 104 by means of a flexible shaft 134 so that the tool holder 104 including a tool 106 arranged thereon is drivable in particular, in rotary, oscillatory and/or eccentric manner.

The flexible shaft 134 runs at least in sections thereof within the tubular bar 122.

Furthermore, the flexible shaft 134 runs at least in sections thereof in a flexible tubing element 136 by means of which the tubular bar 122 is connected to the housing 120 of the tool head 102.

Furthermore, the abrading machine 100 comprises a suction channel 138 which extends from the tool head 102 up to the proximal end 124 of the tubular bar 122 and comprises a plurality of suction channel sections 140.

In particular, the flexible tubing element 136 and the tubular bar 122 form suction channel sections 140 of the suction channel 138.

For optimal weight distribution of the abrading machine 100, the drive motor 130 is preferably arranged on a side of a central axis 142 of the tubular bar 122 that is located opposite the tool head 102.

In the operational state of the abrading machine 100, the user can take hold of the handle element 132 and the tubular bar 122 of the holding device 110 of the abrading machine 100 for example.

The tubular bar 122 thus forms an engagement region 144 of the abrading machine 100.

If now a user places one hand on the engagement region 144 of the tubular bar 122 of the holding device 110 and takes hold of the handle element 132 with his other hand this then results in a certain radius of action within which the user can reach a surface that is to be treated by the tool head 102 from a given standing position.

For the purposes of treating a high ceiling for example, this radius of action can be insufficient.

An extension of the abrading machine 100 can therefore be advantageous.

To this end, in the embodiment of the abrading machine 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 10, there is provided an extension element 146 which is fixable to the abrading machine 100 and in particular to the motor housing 128 of the abrading machine 100 in releasable manner.

In particular, the extension element 146 comprises a tubular bar 148 which preferably forms an extension of the tubular bar 122 of the holding device 110 of the abrading machine 100.

The tubular bar 122 of the holding device 110 and the tubular bar 148 of the extension element 146 are preferably aligned in the assembled state of the extension element 146 on the abrading machine 100 in such a way that a central axis 150 of the tubular bar 148 of the extension element 146 runs at least approximately parallel to the central axis 142 of the tubular bar 122 of the holding device 110.

In particular, provision may be made for the central axes 142, 150 to be at least approximately identical and thus form a common central axis of the tubular bar 122 of the holding device 110 and the tubular bar 148 of the extension element 146.

Furthermore, the extension element 146 comprises an attachment section 152 by means of which the extension element 146 is fixable to an attachment section 154 of the motor housing 128 in releasable manner.

As can be derived in particular from FIG. 8, the attachment section 154 of the motor housing 128 is, in particular, in the form of a recess 156 or gap 158 of the motor housing 128.

The attachment section 154 comprises the proximal end 124 of the tubular bar 122 of the holding device 110 of the abrading machine 100.

A connector device 160 is arranged at the proximal end 124 of the tubular bar 122 of the holding device 110. A (not illustrated) suction device and in particular a vacuum cleaner can be attached to this connector device 160 in order to enable dust and abraded material arising in the region of the tool head 102 in operation of the abrading machine 100 to be exhausted and disposed of through the suction channel 138.

Furthermore, the attachment section 154 of the motor housing 128 comprises a protuberance 162 which is engageable by means of the extension element 146 in order to fix the extension element 146 to the motor housing 128 of the abrading machine 100 in releasable manner.

Furthermore, the protuberance 162 serves for fixing the motor housing 128 to the tubular bar 122 of the holding device 110.

Furthermore, the attachment section 154 of the motor housing 128 comprises at least one holder opening 164.

In particular, the holder opening 164 is formed between the motor housing 128 and the tubular bar 122.

The tubular bar 122 extends, in particular, through the motor housing 128.

The holder opening 164 of the attachment section 154 of the motor housing 128 serves in particular for accommodating a protuberance 166 of the extension element 146.

As can be derived in particular from FIGS. 9 and 10, the extension element 146 comprises an attachment section 152 by means of which the extension element 146 is arrangeable particularly in releasable manner on the attachment section 154 of the motor housing 128.

In particular, the attachment section 152 of the extension element 146 is pushable along the central axis 150 of the tubular bar 148 of the extension element 146 and/or along the central axis 142 of the tubular bar 122 of the holding device 110 of the abrading machine 100 onto the motor housing 128 of the abrading machine 100 and is connectible in releasable manner to the motor housing 128.

To this end in particular, there is provided a latching device 170 by means of which the extension element 146 is lockable to the motor housing 128.

The latching device 170 comprises two latching elements 172.

The latching elements 172 are in the form of pushbuttons 174 for example.

Furthermore, the latching device 170 preferably comprises two spring elements 176.

Thereby, the spring elements 176 are preferably associated with the latching elements 172.

The latching elements 172 are thus preferably spring-loaded.

The latching elements 172 each preferably comprise an inclined surface 178 which is oriented at an angle to the central axis 142 and/or to the central axis 150.

When pushing the extension element 146 onto the attachment section 154 of the motor housing 128, the latching elements 172 are deflectable by means of the inclined surfaces 178 without special manipulation of the latching elements 172 by the user and are moveable past the protuberances 162 of the attachment section 154 of the motor housing 128.

The extension element 146 can thus be easily locked to the motor housing 128 when pushing the extension element 146 onto the attachment section 154 of the motor housing 128.

The latching elements 172 in the form of pushbuttons 174 are preferably additionally designed as unlatching elements 180.

A latching connection between the extension element 146 and the motor housing 128 formed by means of the latching device 170 can be unlatched by means of the unlatching elements 180. The extension element 146 can then be easily removed from the motor housing 128.

As can be derived in particular from FIG. 4, the tubular bar 148 of the extension element 146 adjoins the connector device 160 of the tubular bar 122 of the holding device 110 of the abrading machine 100 in the assembled state of the extension element 146.

The tubular bars 148, 122 are thus connected to one another in fluid-conveying manner.

The tubular bar 148 of the extension element 146 can thus form an extension channel 182 for the suction channel 138 of the abrading machine 100.

For example, a connection of the tubular bars 148, 122 can be effected by means of an adapter element 183 in such a way that no dust or abraded material can emerge between the tubular bars 148, 122 and also no additional ambient air can be sucked-in in this region.

At an end 184 of the extension element 146 remote from the attachment section 152 of the extension element 146 and in particular at an end of the tubular bar 148 of the extension element 146, there is preferably provided a connector device 186 to which a (not illustrated) suction device and in particular a vacuum cleaner is connectible in order to enable dust and abraded material developing in the region of the tool head 102 to be sucked through the suction channel 138 of the abrading machine 100 and the extension channel 182 of the extension element 146 and then disposed of.

The attachment section 154 of the motor housing 128, the attachment section 152 of the extension element 146, the tubular bar 148 and/or the connector device 186 are preferably electrically conductive at least in sections thereof. In particular for the case where earthing via the suction device fails when the abrading machine 100 is in use, the suction device can preferably then be earthed by means of the extension element 146 via an earthing wire of the abrading machine 100. This thereby effectively prevents a user from getting an electrical shock due to a static charge on the components of the abrading machine 100.

As can be derived in particular from FIGS. 1, 2, 5 and 6, the motor housing 128 and the attachment section 152 of the extension element 146 are formed in such a way that they complement each other to form a uniform entity.

In particular, the attachment section 152 of the extension element 146 is formed in such a way that it fills out or completes the recess 156 or gap 158 of the attachment section 154 of the motor housing 128.

The motor housing 128 and the attachment section 152 of the extension element 146 are formed in such a way that the surfaces 188 of the side walls 190, the bottom walls 192 and/or the rear walls 194 of the motor housing 128 and those of the attachment section 152 of the extension element 146 adjoin one another in such a way that they are at least approximately flush.

Preferably, the surfaces 188 of the side walls 190, the bottom wall 192 and/or the rear wall 194 of the attachment section 152 of the extension element 146 are substantially constant continuations of the surfaces 188 of the side walls 190, the bottom wall 192 and/or the rear wall 194 of the motor housing 128.

In particular, the attachment section 152 of the extension element 146 completes an outer contour 196 of the motor housing 128.

As can be derived in particular from FIG. 5, the attachment section 152 of the extension element 146 is formed in such a way that, on three sides for example, it forms a section of the outer contour 196 namely, within the region of the side walls 190 and the bottom wall 192, but preferably does not protrude beyond the side walls 190 and the bottom wall 192 of the motor housing 128 in a plane taken perpendicularly to the central axis 142 of the tubular bar 122.

The abrading machine 100 illustrated for example in FIG. 7 can be extended by means of the extension element 146 illustrated in e.g. FIG. 9 as follows:

The extension element 146 together with its attachment section 152 are pushed along the central axes 142, 150 onto the attachment section 154 of the motor housing 128.

In connection therewith, due to the inclined surfaces 178, the latching elements 172 of the latching device 170 are moved outwardly and past the protuberances 162 of the attachment section 154 of the motor housing 128 until they latch behind the protuberances 162 so that the extension element 146 is then fixed to the abrading machine 100 and in particular to the motor housing 128 of the abrading machine 100.

When pushing the extension element 146 onto the abrading machine 100, the protuberance 166 is introduced into the holder opening 164 at the same time. In particular, tilting of the tubular bars 148, 122 relative to each other can be effectively prevented due to the fixing of the protuberance 166 in the holder opening 164.

Likewise, when pushing the extension element 146 onto the motor housing 128 of the abrading machine 100, the tubular bars 148, 122 are positioned relative to each other and are interconnected by means of the adapter element 183 particularly in fluid-tight manner in such a way that an extension channel 182 for the suction channel 138 of the abrading machine 100 is formed by means of the extension element 146.

In the assembled state of the extension element 146 on the abrading machine 100 that is illustrated in FIG. 1, a user of the abrading machine 100 can reach a work area that is further away from the user with the tool head 102.

To this end, the user takes hold of the handle element 132 on the one hand and an engagement region 198 of the tubular bar 148 of the extension element 146 on the other.

In particular, high ceilings can then be treated in an easy and comfortable manner by means of the extended abrading machine 100.

For the purposes of removing the extension element 146 from the motor housing 128, the user actuates the unlatching elements 180 in the form of pushbuttons 174. The latching elements 172 thereby disengage from the protuberances 162 on the attachment section 154 of the motor housing 128 so that the extension element 146 can be removed from the attachment section 154 of the motor housing 128 along the central axes 150, 142.

The abrading machine 100 is then particularly suitable for treating a nearby region and, in addition, can be particularly compactly stowed away due to the dismantled extension element 146.

LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

-   100 abrading machine -   102 tool head -   104 tool holder -   106 tool -   108 swivel device -   110 holding device -   112 fork element -   114 pivotal axis -   116 swivel element -   118 swivel ring -   120 housing of the tool head -   122 tubular bar -   124 proximal end -   126 distal end -   128 motor housing -   130 drive motor -   132 handle element -   134 flexible shaft -   136 flexible tubing element -   138 suction channel -   140 suction channel section -   142 central axis -   144 engagement region -   146 extension element -   148 tubular bar -   150 central axis -   152 attachment section -   154 attachment section of the motor housing -   156 recess -   158 gap -   160 connector device -   162 protuberance -   164 holder opening -   166 protuberance -   170 latching device -   172 latching element -   174 pushbutton -   176 spring element -   178 inclined surface -   180 unlatching element -   182 extension channel -   183 adapter element -   184 end -   186 connector device -   188 surface -   190 side wall -   192 bottom wall -   194 rear wall -   196 outer contour -   198 engagement region 

1. A handheld abrading machine comprising a holding device for holding the abrading machine, a drive motor, a motor housing for the drive motor and a tool head, wherein: the holding device comprises a substantially tubular bar which has a proximal end and a distal end, the motor housing and the drive motor arranged therein are arranged at the proximal end, the tool head is arranged at the distal end, and the motor housing comprises an attachment section for fixing an extension element in releasable manner.
 2. An abrading machine in accordance with claim 1 or in accordance with the introductory portion of claim 1, wherein the abrading machine comprises an attachment section for positively fixing an extension element in releasable manner.
 3. An abrading machine in accordance with claim 2, wherein the abrading machine and/or the extension element comprises a latching device for fixing the extension element in releasable manner.
 4. An abrading machine in accordance with claim 3, wherein the extension element is pushable onto the attachment section of the abrading machine and/or is insertable into the attachment section of the abrading machine and is thereby lockable.
 5. An abrading machine in accordance with claim 3, wherein the latching device comprises at least one unlatching element by means of which locking of the extension element is releasable for the purposes of removing the extension element.
 6. An abrading machine in accordance with claim 5, wherein at least one unlatching element is in the form of a pushbutton.
 7. An abrading machine in accordance with claim 6, wherein the latching device comprises two unlatching elements in the form of pushbuttons which are arranged on mutually opposite sides of an attachment section of the extension element and/or on mutually opposite sides of the attachment section of the abrading machine.
 8. An abrading machine in accordance with claim 1 or in accordance with the introductory portion of claim 1, wherein the abrading machine comprises an attachment section for fixing an extension element in releasable manner, wherein the attachment section comprises an end of a suction channel which is remote from the tool head, said suction channel extending from the tool head up to the attachment section.
 9. An abrading machine in accordance with claim 8, wherein the extension element comprises an extension channel which, in the assembled state of the extension element on the attachment section of the abrading machine, adjoins the end of the suction channel of the abrading machine that is remote from the tool head.
 10. An abrading machine in accordance with claim 8, wherein the attachment section of the abrading machine comprises the proximal end of the tubular bar.
 11. An abrading machine in accordance with claim 1, wherein the extension element comprises a tubular bar.
 12. An abrading machine in accordance with claim 1, wherein the abrading machine comprises an extension element which comprises an attachment section, and in that the attachment section of the abrading machine is in the form of a recess or gap in the motor housing, wherein the recess or gap in the motor housing and the attachment section of the extension element are formed in such a manner that the recess or gap in the motor housing are filled by means of the attachment section of the extension element in the assembled state of the extension element on the motor housing.
 13. An abrading machine in accordance with claim 12, wherein an outer contour of the motor housing defined by walls of the motor housing is completable by means of the attachment section of the extension element.
 14. An abrading machine in accordance with claim 12, wherein an outer surface of the attachment section of the extension element is substantially flush with an outer surface of walls of the motor housing in the assembled state of the extension element on the motor housing.
 15. An abrading machine in accordance with claim 1, wherein the extension element is connectible to the tubular bar of the abrading machine in releasable manner by means of an adapter element.
 16. An abrading machine in accordance with claim 15, wherein the extension element is connectible to the tubular bar of the abrading machine in releasable manner in such a way that an interior space of the extension element joins an interior space of the tubular bar and is connected thereto in fluid-conveying manner.
 17. An abrading machine in accordance with claim 1, wherein the abrading machine comprises at least one spring element by means of which the extension element is lockable in a position substantially free from play in the assembled state.
 18. An abrading machine in accordance with claim 1, wherein an attachment section of the extension element and/or the attachment section of the abrading machine comprises an injection moulded component of synthetic material or is in the form of an injection moulded component of synthetic material.
 19. An abrading machine in accordance with claim 1, wherein an earthing wire of the abrading machine, a tubular bar of the extension element and/or a hose which is arrangeable on the extension element, in particular a suction hose of a suction device, are connected to one another electrically. 